Listen, Really Listen
I love it when I’m talking with someone and they are really paying attention to me. I know they may not agree with what I’m saying, but when I know they’re listening carefully and giving me their full attention, man that makes me feel good. To give someone your full attention is a great way to make someone’s day.
In Falling Awake, Dave Ellis expands on the meaning of the word listen and explains how it can be much more than what we do when someone else talks:
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word listen this way: “To make a conscious effort to hear; to pay attention; to heed…” Listening fully means paying exquisite, close attention.When you pay attention, your world gets bigger. Listening means receiving whatever the world is “sending.” And at any given moment, the world is sending plenty—thousands of tastes, sights, aromas, sounds, textures, ideas, and bits of information just waiting to be noticed.
Give others the gift of your attention and listen fully during the next conversation you have. You’ll be amazed at their positive reaction.
And give yourself a gift by choosing what you listen to. For example, if you’re watching the news and tire of the same old negative stories, just switch it off. Read a good book instead or listen—and I mean really listen—to your favorite music.
Posted 21 November 2003
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